It seems everyone has a kooky old family tradition that helps clear up a sickness. My grandmother used to blow smoke in our ears when we had an ear infection. It was something her parents did to help the infection heal. We were young, so we thought nothing of it – but now as an adult, it sounds a little kooky. And that’s okay. I still love the history and story behind it.

This little boozy elixir was inspired from a visit with Mark’s sweet, 90 year old Aunt Freda. I like to cuddle up on her couch and listen to her tell stories of when she was younger. She’s sharp as a thumbtack and witty as all get out. I love how her stories always end in a naughty undertone or boozy remedy. Like how back then they used to rub whiskey on teething baby gums to help numb the pain. I could never actually bring myself to do that now, but I can see how it was a socially acceptable thing back then. Or how her mother would make homemade ginger wine every New Year’s Eve (ahem, I will be attempting this soon) and how much she enjoyed the taste of it and wished she still had the recipe. Brandy and honey was something her parents would give Freda and her siblings when they were sick back home in England. It was kind of like a homemade version of cold syrup, I suppose. Warm a tablespoon of brandy with a little honey and take it right before bed. The honey soothed the throat as the brandy helped “sweat” out the sickness while you slept. I was sipping on a mug of hot tea with honey at the time, trying to sooth a sore throat of my own when she told me this story. She then nudged me with a mischievous smile and suggested I put a bit of brandy in my honeyed tea.

So I did. Now I’ll never have it any other way. It was swoon-worthy.

Go little, go strong. For me, I like it with just a *kiss* of brandy.

And drink until it’s gone gone gone.

Brandy & Honey Tea Notes – I prefer green tea in this drink but black would be just as delightful, I’m certain. Also, a slice of orange can be replaced with lemon in this recipe.

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